Episode 017–Needles, Beads and Mysteries!

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast.

Listen to Episode 16 on iTunes!

Listen to Episode 16 on PodBean!

Today’s topics include:

  • Upcoming Events and General Announcements
  • Lykke Needle Review
  • What we are Wearing
  • Hot Off the Needles
  • What we are Working on
  • and, Healthy Living with Tara and Ashley

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by TioTweety on Ravelry.  Thanks for participating, Teresa!

Upcoming Events and General Announcements

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival will be held May 5th and 6th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.  Tara will attend the festival on Saturday and is hoping to meet listeners at the podcaster meet up in Barn 7/8 at 1:00 PM.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area that same weekend, you can cheer on Ashley, who will run the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon!

A shout out to Sally4 for visiting Woolworks!  Thank you to Judy and Mary for participating in our last Google Hang Out!

We are planning a second Knitters Book Club to take place this summer.  More information to come.

Finally, we need your input!  We are planning a future episode that will focus on local yarn shops.  A thread will be created in our Ravelry group asking for your thoughts and opinions.  If you have the time, feel free to participate!

Lykke Needle Review

Lykke needles are very popular so we decided to review them (and thanks for the suggestion, Jackie!).  They are dyed to look like drift wood but are actually birch wood.  A very helpful review can be found at Knitter’s Review, by Clara Parkes.

Ashley says:

  • I like how the size of the needle is etched clearly on the side and won’t rub off.
  • The cord is stiff for magic loop.
  • I like the needle tip which is smooth and has a nice, middle of the road point.
  • The advertising on the website is deceiving.

Tara says:

  • I like the price point!  More affordable than Addi’s.
  • The cord is stiff.  This works well for a hat but I wonder what it would be like for a shawl.
  • The needle tip is dark in color, so be aware if using dark yarns or if you are a beginning knitter.

Overall:

  • They are worth trying out!

What we are Wearing:

Tara has been wearing the Fancy Cardi by Joji Locatelli.  She used Dragonfly Fibers Pixie in the Espresso Roast colorway.

And because the temperature has been on the cooler side, Tara has also worn the Gather Together Sweater by Joji Locatelli.  She used Plucky Trusty in the Two Hearted colorway.

Ashley has been wearing the Four Seasons Shawl by Alana Dakos.  She used Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Base.

She has also been wearing La Mer Socks by Sandra Park, knitted by Ashley’s friend, Heather.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She used Old Maiden Aunt’s Sock Yarn in the Buttermint colorway and beads purchased at Lovelyarns in Baltimore, MD.

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Ashley finished her #knittersbookclubkal!  She knit the Ruched Beret by Susan B. Anderson, which is from the Weekend Hats Book.

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What we are Working On

Ashley finished sock #1 of the Vintage Fairy Lights pattern by Helen Stewart.

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Ashley is nearly finished with the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding.  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow yarn.  She is using Japanese Toho Beads.

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Finally, Ashley is working on the Impressionist Mystery Knit Along by Helen Stewart.  Ashley is using Primrose Adelaide but is feeling unsure about her color choices.  Tara is also working on this project and is using the same yarn!  Twinsies!

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Tara is also working on the Creatrix Shawl by Laura Nelkin.  She is finding this challenging but fun!  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow and size 6-0 and 8-0 beads.

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Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara–Movement

Ashley and Tara talk about the benefits of moving!

Tara mentioned the podcast called The Walk, by Naomi Alderman.  She also read a quote from NPR.  Naomi Alderman also has a free phone app called Zombies, Run.

Ashley is training for the 1/2 portion of the Pittsburgh Marathon.  Ashley uses the Strava App to keep track of her pace and miles.

Episode 011-“Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017!”

Click here to listen to Episode 10 on iTunes!

Click here to listen to Episode 10 on Pod Bean!

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Today’s topics include:

*Knit Along News

*What we are Working on

*the Top 17 Trends of 2017, a Countdown to Celebrate Knitting!

*Predictions for 2018

*and, our Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by LongCool on Ravelry.  This raveler’s stash has grown from 1 bin to 4 and from one cabinet to two in her mudroom.  Luckily, her newly adopted mastiff is keeping the territory safe from prying eyes and intruders.  Thank you for sharing your hiding space with us, Jessica!

A few weeks ago, we were able to meet Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast and Mary of Kino Knits over a brunch at R House in Baltimore City.  Jen recently released the Megarow shawl, a top down, asymmetrical crescent-shaped shawl that alternates garter and a simple lace pattern.  Mary released a shawl and hat pattern in her collection Point/Counterpoint Volume 3 with Claire Devine.  We were thrilled to meet these two talented women!
 
Knit Along News
The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin January 1st, 2018.  Over the course of three months, we will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors.  We will chat about the book and gush over everyone’s knitting using Google Hang Out.  Join us for a special New Years Day Cast On Party!  Post a picture of your freshly started project on Instagram using #knittersbookclubkal.  Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information, a bundle of potential patterns, and a chat thread.
Tara is considering the Voe Sweater by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers.  Ashley may cast on the Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Ruche Beret by Susan B. Anderson.
What we are working on:
 
Tara finished the Suprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She used Primrose Adelaide (single ply/fingering weight) with “Don’t Fear the Reaper” as the main color.
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Tara finished a pair of vanilla socks using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.  She used Lollipop Yarn Quintessential/Gripes base in the “Witches Brew” colorway.
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Tara had a boost of sock mojo and casted on two pairs of Christmas socks using a traditional heel flap.  She is using Gynx Yarn in the “Cheers” colorway and West Yorkshire Spinners in the “Holly Berry” colorway.
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Ashley finished the 21 Color Slouch by Virginia Sattler-Reimer using a kit by Blue Sky Fibers.  She made a few mods for a better fit.
Ashley is working on a pair of Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman using Two Sisters Yarn Company’s self-striping in the “Pippi to the Rescue” colorway.
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Ashley decided to use her Nox Yarns Advent for the Land of Sweets Cowl by Helen Stewart.
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Tara is working on Angel in my Tiny Pocket by Melissa Kemmerer using Jill Draper Esopus, which is discontinued.
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Top 17 Trends of 2017
17.) The Fringe Field Bag with Pins
16.)  Pullovers!
Andrea Mowry,  Isabell Kraemer and Caitlin Hunter are leading this trend.
15.)  Crochet
14.)  Colorwork
Caitlin Hunter’s Sunset Highway, Ninilchik Poncho, Zweig , and Birkin were mentioned. 
Gudrun Johnston and the Bousta Beanie.
13.) Accessible Knitting
Vanilla socks.  Garter stitch shawls.
12.)  Videocasting
11.)  mKALs
 Everyone has one!
10.) The Me-Made Wardrobe
9.) Indie Dyers
8.)  The Neon to Pastel Color Transition
 La Bien Amiee and Olann were mentioned.
The Panton color of 2018 is Ultra Violet.
7.)  Speckles!
6.)  Brioche
 Lesley Anne Robinson was mentioned.
5.) BATs: Big A** Tassels!
 What the Fade and Ohra Shawl were mentioned.
4.) BAPs:  Big A** Poms!!
 Faux and real fur!
3.) BASs:  Big A** Shawls!!!
 Tara mentioned the larger than life Degreenify by Josh Ryks-Robinsky.
2.) Craftivism
There is a hat for every cause!
 Pussy Hats  and the Come Together Blanket by Kat Coyle were mentioned.
1.) FADES
Predictions for 2018:
Tara thinks speckles will continue to be popular through 2018.  She also predicts domestically raised, spun, and dyed wool will grow in popularity and Cormo will be seen more often.
Ashley thinks the designs of Isabell Kraemer will gain even more popularity in 2018.  She also thinks heirloom quality knitting will make a come back, for example the designs of Rowan, Alice Starmore and Norah Gaughan.
 
Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017:
Tara and Ashley agree that starting the podcast will make 2017 memorable.  Ashley is also proud of sewing a dress that fits!

Episode 009-“Yarn is my favorite yarn.”

Click here to listen to Episode 9 on iTunes!

Click here to listen to Episode 9 on Pod Bean!

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Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Liz-Knitz on Ravelry.  Thank you for sharing your secret with us, Liz!

General Announcements

*  The Misadventures in Knitting podcast is looking for show sponsorship.  If you are a yarn dyer, designer, in a related business or have a unique product, please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.comif you are interested in advertising on the show.

*  Ashley and Tara want to know, “what do you want to hear about?” Which topics would you like us to discuss on the show?  Ask us your knitting, crochet, or general crafting questions.  With your input, we hope to create a more informative podcast. Please find the thread on the Ravelry group.

* Much appreciation to everyone who has already reviewed our podcast on iTunes.  Reviews and ratings help a podcast become searchable.  If you listen to our podcast, please consider writing a review.  We thank you in advance!

Knit Along News

*The Too Much Candy Knit Along

By the time this episode is published, the Too Much Candy Knit Along will be finished and two lucky knitters will have won two awesome prizes.  Grand prize winners and special category honorees will be named in episode 10 that will air on November 26th.  Thank you to all who participated!

*Future Knit Along to begin in the new year!

–“The Knitter’s Book Club”

–A 3 month knit-along, read along and discussion to begin January and end in March 2018.

–We will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributers.

–We plan to host Google Hang Outs on the last Friday of each month.

–A special discussion thread will be added in our Ravelry group.

–We will create a bundle with project ideas if you should feel “stuck”.

–More information will be released with future episodes.  We are so excited and needed to share the news with you right away!

What We are Wearing

Tara has worn the Simee Dimeh shawl by Romi Hill and the Marin Shawl by Ysolda Teague.  Tara’s sons, Leo and River, have worn their Christmas in July sweaters by Tanis Lavallee and So Faded by Andrea Mowry.

Ashley wore Afternoon Tea by Helen Stewart, knit by her friend, Heather.  Ashley wore a vintage Kaffe Fassett sweater dress to the theatre.  This beautiful dress was knit by a customer of Woolworks in Baltimore, MD.  Ashley also wore Ducky Socks.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara is daydreaming about the Damejakkaloppa by Pinneguri.  Tara apologizes for mispronouncing the designer’s name!  (Sorry!)

Ashley is imaginary knitting numerous WIPs!

Hot Off the Needles

Ashley finished Churchmouse Yarn and Tea’s Basic Christmas Stocking with Woolstok yarn.  She finished The Little Pumpkin Hat in Rowan Summerlite DK.  Ashley designed this cute hat!  This time around, she upsized the pattern for a toddler.  If you are interested in these changes, check out the notes on her Ravelry project page.

Tara finished the Exploration Station by Stephen West just in time for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY.  Tara gifted this shawl to her friend, Lis, that vends at the festival under the name Heirlooms.

What We are Working On

Tara casted on the Surprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart soon after its release.  She is using Primrose Adelaide.

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Also by Helen Stewart, Tara is knitting the Spindrift Shawlette in Destination Yarn’s Postcard base in the Toes in the Sand colorway.

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Finally, Tara is knitting the Wagenfeld pullover by Ankestrick using Jill Draper Empire.  She hopes this sweater will be a Christmas gift for her husband.

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Ashley is knitting the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple.  She cast on the Unicorn Hat by Brittany Tyler Simmonds in Rowan Big Wool using size 15 needles!

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Ashley cast on the Ninilchik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter.  She is using Arranmore Light by the Fibre Company.

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Misadventures

Both Tara and Ashley experienced a few misadventures!  Tara purchased several skeins of Domestic Worsted by Magpie Fibers.

Tara also purchased an entire sweater quantity of Periwinkle Sheep’s Bulky base in the Black/Turquoise colorway.

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Ashley purchased several skeins of by Magpie Fibers, as well as a Wishmaker Mitt kit.

Ashley purchased a beautiful advent mini-skein set by Nox Yarns.  She is unsure how she will use the yarn, whether it will be for a shawl, sweater or something else entirely.  Suggestions needed!

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